A list of some fequently asked
questions. Please contact us if you have any additional questions!

Q

What does this software
do that the little tuner my Pipe Major uses to tune drones with doesn't
do?

A

The Pitch Pipe Bagpipe Tuner is
tuner software for Windows XP/2000/ME/98SE that is optimized for the
Great Highland Bagpipe. A typical hand-held tuner like those used to
tune a guitar or orchestral instruments are not suitable to tune the
chanter of the pipes. They are configured for equally tempered
scaled instruments, and often utilize limited pitch detection
technology that is not sophisticated enough to 'read' the complex
harmonics of our high hand.

Q

I downloaded and installed the software. It is asking for a registration code. Do I need a code to try the software?

A

TO RUN AS A DEMO: When you are prompted to enter your registration code, select 'Cancel.' The software will allow you to cancel out of entering the activation code for 15 days. After 15 days, the system will not function without the activation code.

Q

What temperament should
I be using?

A

Our analysis of top solo players
and top Grade 1 pipe bands has shown that solo chanters are tuned
very close to the 'harmonic temperament' while bands tune very close
to 'just temperament.' Pitch Pipe Products has included two presents
that were developed by doing pitch detection on a top solo player
and a recent World Champion Pipeband for your reference. These are
called 'Gold Medalist' and 'World Champion Pipeband'. It it
important to note that while they deviate slightly from each other,
both are very musical! Older recordings of our top players (30/40
years ago)demonstrate the sharper D that the MacNeil temperament
specifies, but tastes seem to have drifted towards the 4:3 D.

Q

Will the Pitch Pipe
Tuner work under Windows NT or Windows 95?

A

No, the tuner software makes use
of the Microsoft DirectX 8 media library. Although it is possible to
install MSDX 8 under these operating systems, Microsoft does not
support this and thus we do not claim the tuner will work under
Windows NT or Windows 95.

Q

Will the Pitch Pipe
Tuner work for Mac OSX or Linux?

A

No, the tuner software makes use
of the Microsoft DirectX 8 media library. We are investigating the
possibility of changing the tuner code to target the .NET frame
work, which in theory would allow the tuner to run under Linux and
someday Mac OSX.

Q

Do I need a really
expensive microphone?

A

No, we have tested cheapo mics
along side very nice studio microphones and the pitch detection is
about the same. Note: A good microphone is always a good thing for a
musician to have, but this software doesn't require it.

Q

Will the software run
on a laptop?

A

Yes. Many of our beta testers
have used a laptop with the software for tuning band chanters at
rehearsals.

Q

Can I tune other types
of instruments with the software?

A

Probably not. The tuner is
configured for the nuances of the pipes. We are working on a
smallpipe and Irish pipe plugin for the tuner that we will release
sometime next year.

Q

Will I need a
microphone stand?

A

We recommend that you use a mic
stand if you can. It seems to be much easier than proping a mic up
on a table of making a drummer hold it.

Q

Will this software run
on a PDA (Palm or PocketPC)? Do you offer a version of Mobile 5 or PalmOS?

A

We currently have a version that works with the PocketPC 2002 and 2003 operating systems. Currently, we are not offering a version for Microsoft Windows Mobile 5, NokiaOS, or Palm OS. We have a beta release for WM5, so please contact us if you are interested!

Q

Can I use the tuner for
a band? Do I need to buy a copy for everyone in the band?

A

You
can ofcourse use the software to tune up a band very quickly. If all the
members of your group have a copy of the tuning software, you can email
them the settings, or even a temperment file and instruct them to tune
up prior to the group getting together. Please note: each person who
installs the software is required to have a registration code if the
software is to be used after the 15 day free trial.